Phillies Place Ryan Howard on the DL

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images(PHILADELPHIA) — Ryan Howard’s frustrating 2013 has added another chapter as the team has placed him on the 15-day disabled list with left knee inflammation.

Just how long Howard will be out of action remains to be seen. He will undergo an MRI on Sunday or Monday to determine the damage to his knee. He has been dealing with knee pain since early May, but was playing through pain.

Before Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, Howard was scratched from the lineup after he was unable to take part in batting practice or take groundballs.

“It got to the point where we feel like it’s time for him to get off it, and we’ll take care of it,” Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “It’s obviouly at the point where he’s just not able to play. The discomfort is just too great.”

Howard is in the second year of a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the team. He’s struggled this season as he’s hitting just .266 with 11 home runs. Howard is also fifth in the league with 95 strikeouts.

Taking Howard’s place will be Darin Ruf, who has been called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.